Little River Casino

Editor's Review

The amenities are upscale, but 24-hour gaming is the main focus at this smoky resort hotel.

Maybe it’s obvious, but most of the guests at Little River Casino Resort are here for one reason—to gamble. We checked out the hotel accommodations while visiting the quaint, charming city of Manistee and found some drawbacks. But, if gaming is your priority, this place does seem to deliver.

Our biggest complaint was the smoke. Although the property designates smoking and nonsmoking sections and rooms, there’s really no way to keep it contained. The smell of cigarettes was cloying and clung to us from the minute we entered the enormous lobby. Our second issue was the 24-hour noise. Loud guests in the hallways woke us up several times throughout the night. Our room didn’t have a refrigerator or mini bar. We suppose management wants guests to spend money in one of the three on-site restaurants instead, but we found the Willows $9.99 breakfast buffet overpriced and unimaginative. And the coffee, frankly, was terrible. You’re much better off driving five minutes into downtown Manistee to dine at the House of Flavors instead.

That said, the beds in our standard double queen room ($135) were comfortable. Lofted ceilings made the room feel larger, and French doors opening to a courtyard were a pleasant surprise that allowed for easy outdoor access and fresh air. Little River also offers an exercise room, a pool, a well-appointed gift shop, live theater, valet parking and, of course, the casino.